Santa Sabina

The brief was to convert the old Santa Sabin Convent building
into student residential flats, a manager's apartment and common
cinema, spa and gymnasium spaces. The existing roof space was also
converted to ensuited residential flats with a shared living
space.

The existing building was divided into small rooms for the nuns
in its previous use and these were opened up to provide larger
spaces for the student rooms. Rooms were also converted for use as
dining areas, games rooms and the existing chapel was converted to
a home theatre room. The basement space was used to house the
gymnasium, weights room and spa room along with changing rooms and
a sauna.

A managers flat was created out of one end of the building and
new bathroom spaces were formed to replace the existing.

During the construction of the project it was decided to make
use of the roof space so loft apartments were designed to fit
within the existing roof line. Dormer windows were created to give
adequate headroom to the apartments and skylights added where
required to provide light and ventilation.

By maintaining the existing structure and features of the old
convent building and working the new residential units within has
created a unique living environment for the occupants. New work has
been carried out sympathetically with the existing to blend new and
old together in a seamless conversion. In doing so the building has
had a new lease of life and can be continued to be used for years
into the future and not destined for demolition.